Established by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, the STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Program seeks to develop and implement law enforcement and prosecution strategies to effectively decrease violent crimes against women. These grants also help to develop and enhance services provided to the victims of violent crimes.
In Colorado, the CO Department of Public Safety, Office for Victims Programs (OVP) is responsible for coordinating VAWA funds with local agencies. Funds through VAWA provide systematic and sustained focus on permanent systems change within the Colorado criminal justice system, while simultaneously developing a comprehensive network of domestic violence and sexual assault victim service advocates and programs throughout Colorado communities.
In Colorado, VAWA funds may be used for multiple purposes, including:
- Comprehensive training projects (especially multi-disciplinary training).
- Specialized units such as programs in law enforcement or district attorneys' offices.
- Projects developing protocols, policies, and evaluation mechanisms.
- Projects developing data collection and communication systems.
- Sexual assault and domestic violence victim services programs.
- Projects concerning stalking; projects designed for Native American women.
- Projects addressing the needs of older, disabled, and other underserved women.
- Projects supporting statewide multidisciplinary efforts; training of sexual assault forensic medical personnel.
- Assistance for domestic violence and sexual assault victims with immigration matters.
Allowable costs include: Personnel providing eligible services, operating costs associated with eligible services, eligible services skills training, supervision of project-related staff and activities, well justified travel, and professional services/consultants providing eligible services, indirect costs, supplies, and equipment.
Funding decisions are made in alignment with theColorado STOP VAWA Implementation Plan, found here: https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/dcj/DCJ%20External%20Website/OVP/2022%20STOP%20Implentation%20Plan.pdf
Award recipients from 2012 through 2023 can be found here: https://dcj.colorado.gov/dcj-offices/victims-programs/grant-funding-for-agencies/violence-against-women-act